BRANEI BIKE TOUR TO VISIT WAUKON ON THREE-DAY RIDE

While Iowa has the RAGBRAI, Northeast Iowa now has the “BRANEI.” The inaugural BRANEI, otherwise known as the “Bike Ride Around NorthEast Iowa,” is to occur July 7 through 9.
Designed with families in mind, the ride begins and ends in Elkader and visits four counties in Northeast Iowa - Clayton, Allamakee, Winneshiek and Fayette. Participants can ride one or both days, with each day covering approximately 60 miles.
While the ride begins on the Saturday morning, participants can camp in Elkader on the Friday night if they choose. Day one heads north to Gunder, then onward to Postville, Waukon and Decorah, where the organizers have arranged overnight camping. On day two, bikers head south to Ossian, and then follow the Turkey River to Clermont, Elgin and Gunder, finally returning to Elkader, completing the round trip.
Recreational activities at overnight stops include a grand opening day at the 3.5 acre Maize Maze in Elkader with music in the park, as well as the Winneshiek County Fair and stock car races in Decorah. Along the route, riders may sample the famous “Gunderburger” at the Shanti in Gunder, weighing in at a full pound. Riders will enjoy Postville’s ethnic diversity and the Waukon Chamber of Commerce is to offer refreshments to bikers reaching the halfway point on day one.
In Clermont, riders will view sites from the Walt Disney film “The Straight Story” or visit historic Montauk. Just prior to the final spin back to Elkader, bikers will ride through Elgin, termed “Little Switzerland” and may stop by the Gilbertson Nature Center.
The BRANEI is sponsored by the Country Heritage Community, a four-county tourism agency affiliated with Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area and is funded through a grant from the R.J. McElroy Trust. The rider fee is $25 per rider and includes a T-shirt, overnight camping, showers, luggage transportation and sag wagon support. An adult must accompany children under 18.
Registration for the bike ride closes on June 22. For more information concerning the BRANEI or to register, call (800) 488-7572 or (800) 463-4692.